Disney Springs to Replace Downtown Disney?

By | Published March 12, 2013

The blogosphere is abuzz about a revamp of Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World.

WDW News has leaked concept art and details about Disney Springs, which may include major changes to Downtown Disney. It looks like the new concept will reflect changes in the town as it relates to the town’s local spring. The news was subsequently confirmed by Disney.

Three “districts” are planned – West Side, the Village Marketplace, and the Town Center – all with historical backstories.

According to the plans,

The West Side was home to a fishing lodge and a campsite for musical gatherings of the brave souls of pioneer Florida. The elevated train tracks would connect [Disney Springs] to the coast and beyond. The larger structures date from America’s postwar prosperity host a variety of dining and entertainment.”

The Village Marketplace would be

[a]n upscale neighborhood, now dubbed The Village Marketplace, developed to the east. The meandering streets of the original plan and the mature trees and native flowers that line them make this a truly pedestrian friendly environment, for the modern day perambulators.

The Town Center is described as “a handsome commercial district expanded to the south” featuring

the sophisticated shopping area rivals all local offerings but it is the comfort from its landscape and the calming effects of its fountains and shallow pools that beckon its guests to linger, and most importantly return.

WDW News cautions that none of this is official. Plans were previously announced for Hyperion Wharf, which never materialized. The photos do indicate that a lot of effort has gone into the concept.